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A Perfect Canvas by Kevin Adkisson
When a wealthy, bad boy client offers real estate agent Paige Knight the opportunity to escape her humdrum life and follow her dream of becoming an artist, she jumps at his offer. But doing so unwittingly puts herself, and her husband, in the hands of the sadist, Nicholas Steele, a body modification and tattoo artist who sees Paige as the perfect canvas to receive his next masterwork. All proceeds the author receives from the novel "A Perfect Canvas" will be donated to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.
- GenresHorror
Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
73 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Adkisson
1 book11 followersKevin Adkisson can often be found driving his Jeep along the back roads of Oklahoma while dreaming of being a hippie beach bum. On moonless nights he can be found sitting in an empty field, writing.
All proceeds the author receives from the novel "A Perfect Canvas" will be donated to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.
All proceeds the author receives from the novel "A Perfect Canvas" will be donated to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 8, 2013
The author had me striving to flip to each next page. A book of unspeakable torture but showing the love between two people can overcome anything and make their lives flourish. I loved it!
August 17, 2023
Very good story
June 19, 2021
Great story
Very good book. Has the stalkerish quality to it. The house has an air of mystery to it also. Edward is quite the guy. He is an artist and a stalker. Not sure which one he is better at.
Very good book. Has the stalkerish quality to it. The house has an air of mystery to it also. Edward is quite the guy. He is an artist and a stalker. Not sure which one he is better at.
June 29, 2021
Intense read
I’m sure this in the lower end of the intense reads out there . I wish there was a little more filler about the “bad” guy. Otherwise I intensely enjoyed reading this book.
I’m sure this in the lower end of the intense reads out there . I wish there was a little more filler about the “bad” guy. Otherwise I intensely enjoyed reading this book.
February 18, 2013
Animal lovers' warning (because I am one): there is a very small amount of animal violence in the book
I must confess that I'm unsure how to review this book. The premise was pretty good, and the writing style moved me along, although there are several grammatical errors and some odd word choices (sharks of pain comes to mind). The e-book formatting needs work, for example many paragraphs are mysteriously indented.
However, the biggest problem with this book is that we're introduced to the main characters through the eyes of the villain. First impressions are hard to ignore, so rather than see Paige and Eddie as they really are, we are stuck with the villain's twisted perceptions. I would like to have met them first as they really were, and then seen how the villain viewed them.
Generally speaking, the author's overall style is pretty good and I would consider reading more of his work.
Possible Spoilers
I did find some of the characters/scenes in the book to be more filler than to have a real purpose. For example, after he is attacked, Paige's husband seeks help from a detective. A little time is spent on the detective's background and finding out what steps he can take, but he never factors into the story at all. While it was refreshing that a character in a book actually went for help (too often, the writers try unsuccessfully to present a scenario in which the victim doesn't feel that they can go for help - something I usually find unbelievable and frustrating), it would have been sufficient to know that he'd contacted the detective, not to delve into what the man might be able to do when it had no effect on the outcome.
Chris is also very confusing. I had a hard time figuring out her motivation, even after reading the epilogue, but it felt more like the author either changed his mind or included her to put the reader off-balance, but her changing attitude seemed a bit forced and unnatural.
All in all, though, this is a decent, quick read.
I must confess that I'm unsure how to review this book. The premise was pretty good, and the writing style moved me along, although there are several grammatical errors and some odd word choices (sharks of pain comes to mind). The e-book formatting needs work, for example many paragraphs are mysteriously indented.
However, the biggest problem with this book is that we're introduced to the main characters through the eyes of the villain. First impressions are hard to ignore, so rather than see Paige and Eddie as they really are, we are stuck with the villain's twisted perceptions. I would like to have met them first as they really were, and then seen how the villain viewed them.
Generally speaking, the author's overall style is pretty good and I would consider reading more of his work.
Possible Spoilers
I did find some of the characters/scenes in the book to be more filler than to have a real purpose. For example, after he is attacked, Paige's husband seeks help from a detective. A little time is spent on the detective's background and finding out what steps he can take, but he never factors into the story at all. While it was refreshing that a character in a book actually went for help (too often, the writers try unsuccessfully to present a scenario in which the victim doesn't feel that they can go for help - something I usually find unbelievable and frustrating), it would have been sufficient to know that he'd contacted the detective, not to delve into what the man might be able to do when it had no effect on the outcome.
Chris is also very confusing. I had a hard time figuring out her motivation, even after reading the epilogue, but it felt more like the author either changed his mind or included her to put the reader off-balance, but her changing attitude seemed a bit forced and unnatural.
All in all, though, this is a decent, quick read.
July 24, 2012
I wanted to like this book.
The premis sounded great, the exicution was not.
The main character fell flat. They just...existed. I felt nothing for them.
So, on to the villian.
A good villian can either make or break a suspense novel. However, a good villian is hard to find.
The villian in this book was awful.
He was too over-the-top to be scary. Yes, the scar/tattoo work he did was morbidly fascinating, and I understood his obsession with his art, but it just felt...fake.
The first motivation the reader is shown is that he wants to make a woman submit to his will (I couldn't help but think of Comfort Food from that point on) and then, after we're stuck in his head hearing his thoughts about how "women shoudn't work, they should submit, etc..." then do we find out he's an artist that wants to give people scars that form works of art.
I think this book would have been much more enjoyable, and the villian much more frightening, if the author had simply made him to be an unstable artist. If the villian hadn't had the motivation about women, if he'd just been obsessed with finding that perfect canvas, I would have been freaked out. As an artist myself, I understand the drive that comes with your art, but this...I wanted to be scared. He's supposed to be scary, damn it.
The premis sounded great, the exicution was not.
The main character fell flat. They just...existed. I felt nothing for them.
So, on to the villian.
A good villian can either make or break a suspense novel. However, a good villian is hard to find.
The villian in this book was awful.
He was too over-the-top to be scary. Yes, the scar/tattoo work he did was morbidly fascinating, and I understood his obsession with his art, but it just felt...fake.
The first motivation the reader is shown is that he wants to make a woman submit to his will (I couldn't help but think of Comfort Food from that point on) and then, after we're stuck in his head hearing his thoughts about how "women shoudn't work, they should submit, etc..." then do we find out he's an artist that wants to give people scars that form works of art.
I think this book would have been much more enjoyable, and the villian much more frightening, if the author had simply made him to be an unstable artist. If the villian hadn't had the motivation about women, if he'd just been obsessed with finding that perfect canvas, I would have been freaked out. As an artist myself, I understand the drive that comes with your art, but this...I wanted to be scared. He's supposed to be scary, damn it.
August 12, 2011
Nicholas Steele, a sadistic tattoo artist, is obsessed with skin, craving a flawless canvas for his scarification masterpieces. This book is fast paced and realistically terrifying. The descriptions involving the tattoos and scarification are so well done and so deeply researched that they are compelling, frightening, yet morbidly and artistically intriguing. The villain is all too creepy real. I understood his motivations and his fascination with his art enough to worry that someone like him was out there in the world. The main character, Paige, is also real, not painted as some fantasy female ninja, but someone who must try to survive by her guts, rage, and her wits. The heart of the story centers on the love between Paige and Eddie and what they are willing to do for each other despite the most horrifying circumstances. Eddie's selflessness also draws you in and keeps you turning the pages. I was impressed with the author's word choices and insights that often evoked vivid images and emotions, and found myself rereading phrases for pleasure. This is one of those memorable books you think back on and feel like you learned something. I always enjoy intelligent writing and this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm hooked and will be back for more from author Kevin Adkisson.
May 31, 2019
Not very good. Reads like a c-grade horror film idea from a high-schooler with a hatred for everything mainstream. I'm guessing the writer regularly feels clever calling the masses "sheep" and looking down on them. The writing is lacking and feels almost "Twilight"-quality; in a few pages, he compares a woman to Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe, and Dita Von Teese. The references are terrible and continuous. Any attempt at "writing" beyond a basic level reads like high school fiction; for example: "her skin glimmered even under fluorescent lights, like lightning reflecting off water." Ugh. Even worse, the violence feels like an abusive power fantasy.
I thought I could give it more of a chance, but I think I'm done. Made it to chapter six.
I thought I could give it more of a chance, but I think I'm done. Made it to chapter six.
June 24, 2011
I read this on my Kindle. I'm not sure if this only applies to the e-version, but it had many spelling and puntuation errors.
This is a very quic...moreI read this on my Kindle. I'm not sure if this only applies to the e-version, but it had many spelling and puntuation errors.
This is a very quick read, and has several moments of real tension. The story was interesting, and the two main characters were well-written.
A couple tense scenes went on a bit too long for my taste (I'll just call them the house and driving scenes), so if you read the book let me know if you felt the same way.
Though I didn't care for the ending, I did enjoy the epilogue.
This is a very quic...moreI read this on my Kindle. I'm not sure if this only applies to the e-version, but it had many spelling and puntuation errors.
This is a very quick read, and has several moments of real tension. The story was interesting, and the two main characters were well-written.
A couple tense scenes went on a bit too long for my taste (I'll just call them the house and driving scenes), so if you read the book let me know if you felt the same way.
Though I didn't care for the ending, I did enjoy the epilogue.
April 28, 2011
I received this book here on Goodreads (First Reads contest) and though I didn't know anything about it, started reading right away. I was instantly drawn in.
I enjoyed following each characters "story" and watching it unfold. There were parts that made me gasp and parts that made me SO angry at the antagonist.
The only thing I did NOT like about the book was how fast the end came. The last scene (so to speak) felt kind of rushed and I felt it could have been drawn out just a BIT more.
All in all, I definitely recommend this book!
I enjoyed following each characters "story" and watching it unfold. There were parts that made me gasp and parts that made me SO angry at the antagonist.
The only thing I did NOT like about the book was how fast the end came. The last scene (so to speak) felt kind of rushed and I felt it could have been drawn out just a BIT more.
All in all, I definitely recommend this book!
January 4, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hated to quit reading it to go to bed. That just shows how from the first page it grabs your attention and doesn't let go. So many things I hadn't heard of before. I am grateful for the answer to the problem I had from the age of 9 to 17 with the Hidradenitis Suppurativa, as slightly different from hers and did leave scars. From the stalking to all that happens just makes you want to keep going and reading and hating to put it down. I love the way it delves into the mind of Steele too. I am sure I will read it again as I do with books that I love.
November 15, 2011
A very predictable book, like most horror movies. I spent most of the book thinking, "no, why would you do that?" or "duh, of course the bad guy did that." Even in the beginning I thought, "no dummy don't get in the car with him." However, I did manage to read the entire thing this afternoon. I wouldn't recommend it as it was not that entertaining.
Goodreads giveaway.
Goodreads giveaway.
December 30, 2010
Highyl recommend - this thriller novel! I wasn't able to stop reading until the last page was down. It is a must read for any one who likes thriller/mystery/suspense genre! Be sure to get a copy, read it and review it!
April 1, 2011
I won this book in a goodreads contest but I had read it the first time a while back at my local library.
This is a thrilling book and should be on the shelf of any suspense or mystery fan. I look forward to reading other novels by this author.
This is a thrilling book and should be on the shelf of any suspense or mystery fan. I look forward to reading other novels by this author.
September 16, 2015
Awesome, although it kept me awake all night reading. A scary ride, thanks. I would recommend
This one to anyone who wants something that is not a "run of the mill ' thriller.' Keep 're coming.
This one to anyone who wants something that is not a "run of the mill ' thriller.' Keep 're coming.
January 1, 2011
Great book! Definite page turner!
January 3, 2011
Great Book! Could not put it down!
February 3, 2015
Amazing
I loved every bit of this book I could bakery ever even poor it down at all. Cedar wait to read more of his books
I loved every bit of this book I could bakery ever even poor it down at all. Cedar wait to read more of his books
January 5, 2011
I thoroughly injoyed this book and will look for this author again.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews